Van Boening defeats Austrian Albin Ouschan in title event.

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Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, APRIL 8, (COURTESY SKY SPORTS) — Shane Van Boening finally became the champion of the world after beating Albin Ouschan in the World Pool Championship final at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes on Sunday.

From 6-6, Van Boening ran home with an expert performance to deliver his first-ever world title leaving Ouschan with very few opportunities at the table as he wrapped up an emotional 13-6 win.

It was effortless and equally breath-taking at the same time in a watershed moment for the South Dakota Kid.

Van Boening said: “I have been trying for years. Two times I’ve been in the final and two times in the final. I just knew I was going to win the World Pool Championship. I dreamed I would be World Champion. It teaches you to work hard, follow your dreams and never give up.

“It was just a fantastic week. That match for me against Mika changed things. I could’ve been going home at 10-3 down. But I fought my way through. I am lost for words. I am so happy for myself, thank you to all the fans of this sport.

“I put in so many hours in my career. I dreamed of being a world champion. Today is that moment.”

He added: “It is a dream come true. It makes me hungry for more, I will go home and go fishing for a bit but then I will be working hard again.”

Ouschan, who was aiming to become only the second player in history to defend his title and win it three times emulating Earl Strickland, said: “To the middle of the match, it was back and forth. I played a safety then didn’t make a shot for the rest of the match.

“Shane played a great tournament with great comebacks. He deserved it today. I am disappointed, but it is fair to say he played better. He had some rolls but without that, you cannot be world champion”

The win puts Van Boening in a commanding position to keep his place in the Team USA Mosconi Cup team this November 30-3 December in Las Vegas.